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CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The architect has the responsibility in contract administration. He should administer the contract according to the documents, the relevant customs of the building industry and the principle of impartiality.

There are many matters calling for the Architect's special adjudication and some of the interest to the client are;

i. Assessing and certifying progress payments

ii. Issuing, assessing and authorizing contract variations

iii.Determining quality etc. of materials and workmanship

iv. Ascertaining losses or expenses by the contractor due to instructions

v. Determining and formally notifying the date of practical completion

vi. Determining completion and issuing the final certificate

	Inspection		Handing over site and contract administration
	Clerk of works		Extensions of time and practical completion
	Progress payments		Contract amount and variations
	Retention fund		Contingency sum
	Occupation		Provisional and prime cost sums
	Defects liability period		Nominated sub contractors and suppliers
	Liquidated damages		Contractors claims for compensation
	Insurance
	Practical completion and completions

Inspection

The contractor himself or the subcontractor may carry out the work. But it's the contractor's responsibility to supervise the work.

In small projects it's the contractor who supervises. But in larger projects it could be contractors project manager, General foreman, Trade foreman, Floor foreman and leading hands. The architect is responsible for his periodic visits and for giving the contractor any necessary instructions or interpretation of documents.

In the course of inspection architect helps to guard you against defects and deficiencies in the works. Experience shows that the architects inspection of the work together with sopt checks, tests and examination of prototypes and of goods and materials on and off site afford you a very substantial degree of protection

Clerk of works

In large and complex projects you may appoint a clerk of works under Architect's advice. Sometimes a clerk of works for mechanical services is appointed; as the house engineer to take over and operate the plant on practical completion.

Progress payments

The contractor is paid by installments as the work proceeds. The architect values the work periodically and issues progress certificates stating the amount due to the contractor. Unless otherwise agreed, you are required to pay the certified amount by the contract. If you delay the payment the contractor may charge an interest.

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